facial redness, burning, peeling

I am a 23-year-old female. When I was a teenager, I had severe acne which was cleared up by birth control. Since then, I have had hardly any skin problems. However, since November of 2008 I have had issues with certain areas of my face.

My face first became blotchy and red around my nose and inbetween my eyebrows. The size of these areas are as follows: on both sides of my nose, a quarter sized spot per side; above my right eyebrow toward the middle of my eyebrows a spot the size of a nickel. These areas began to peel.  This "condition" then spread to my left temple (dime-sized spot), my left cheek (nickel sized spot), the right side of my chin (dime sized spot) and above the right side of my lip in (half of a dime sized spot).  The spots on my left temple and my left cheek have since disappeared.

The skin in these spots peels daily even with lotions and face creams. I wash with a gentle cleanser and moisturize twice a day, once in the morning and once at night. These areas itch occasionally but mostly burn, especially when I put lotion or makeup on them. What is this?!?!

I cannot afford a dermatologist or prescription medicines. Are there any over-the-counter meds for this "condition" or any home-remedies? I would appreciate any and all advice.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
I cannot confirm anything without examination but it sounds like irritant contact dermatitis. Irritant dermatitis, the most common type of contact dermatitis, involves inflammation resulting from contact with acids, alkaline materials such as soaps and detergents, cosmetics, or other chemicals.

Avoid using any lotions and creams over the face for the meantime. Wash your face with a mild cleanser with moisturizing properties like Cetaphil. Pat your face dry. Then apply a good hypoallergenic moisturizer over the area and see if this improves.If the symptoms still persist then you can apply mild steroid like dermacort.

If the irritation persists then pls get it evaluated from a dermatologist.Eczema and seborrheic dermatitis have to be ruled out.
I hope that helps.Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional doubts.Kind regards.

[xvanyg90x]

Hello, I am 21 years old and I don't have any problems with my skin. I am not on birth control or have acne problems. Yet just a week ago my face has been so dry and even peeling. Then it gives a burning and itching sensation. I don't understand why. Is there a reason to this?